The Louisa Literature I Love
For me, Louisa May Alcott is one of those authors who was an instant BFF. From the first time I picked up Little Woman, I knew I had found a lifelong friend in print. In preparation for her Birthday Month (November) and the first-ever Read Far & Wide Bookish Event (Click Here) - I thought I would share a handful of the Louisa books that I love!
Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
Obviously - no explanation needed.
Little Men
by Louisa May Alcott
I discovered this gem many years ago by Louisa when my roommate gifted it to me. At the time, I was teaching middle school at an all boys school. This book picks up after Little Women and describes the school Jo created for boys, and as it describes rambunctious adventures of boys with perfection, I adore this book.
Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott
Written by Alcott in 1866 under the title, Fair Rosamond, this thriller was considered at the time “too scandalous” to publish. It was finally published in 1995, and is the story of a woman who escapes a dangerous relationship and embarks on a journey through Europe. A story that is gut-wrenching yet courageous, and is one of the most beautiful depictions of platonic love I’ve read in literature. I can not recommend this book enough!
Marmee by Sarah Miller
I very much enjoyed this book which is a retelling of Little Women from the perspective of Marmee. What I enjoyed the most, was how the book was structured around fictional letters which were dated and referenced historical events occurring at the time - specifically those pertaining to the Civil War. A worthwhile read for any fan of Little Women.
Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
A time split novel that occurs in Concord during modern day and 1865, while Louisa May Alcott is traveling in Europe. Alcott’s books of Little Women, Hospital Sketches and Long Fatal Love Chase serve as backdrops for this book. With great wisdom, Chiavaroli, addresses complexities of unhealthy relationships and how Louisa was a fierce defender of the “underdog.”
